Iceland Ring Road & Highlands Self-Drive - 12 Days

This Iceland highlands itinerary goes beyond the typical Ring Road experience by including an unforgettable adventure to Landmannalaugar, one of Iceland's most spectacular and remote highland regions. While you'll still complete the full Ring Road circuit and visit the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the highlight is your journey deep into the colorful volcanic highlands. You'll cross rivers, navigate mountain passes, and explore moon-like lava fields to reach Landmannalaugar's vibrant rhyolite mountains painted in shades of red, orange, yellow, and green. This Iceland 12 day itinerary combines all the coastal must-sees with true highland wilderness that most visitors never experience.

Yes, for this Iceland highlands self drive adventure, you'll need a 4x4 vehicle to safely navigate the highland roads, particularly the F-roads leading to Landmannalaugar. Highland roads involve river crossings and rough terrain that require higher clearance and four-wheel drive capability. When you book this tour, we'll ensure you have an appropriate 4x4 rental car included in your package. The highland roads are only accessible during summer months (typically late June through early September), which is when this Iceland highlands itinerary is available. Our detailed itinerary provides guidance on driving these routes, and our 24/7 emergency helpline is available if you need assistance.

Landmannalaugar is the crown jewel of this Iceland highlands itinerary and offers some of the most unique landscapes in the country. You'll walk among colorful rhyolite mountains displaying incredible natural hues from various mineral deposits, creating a surreal palette of reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and blues. The area features fields of black obsidian lava with glassy surfaces, dramatic hiking trails through otherworldly terrain, and natural geothermal hot springs where you can bathe in warm water at the bottom of a river, surrounded by stunning mountain vistas. The journey to reach Landmannalaugar is an adventure itself, involving river crossings and driving through lunar-like landscapes that make you feel like you're on another planet.

This Iceland 12 day itinerary is perfect for adventurous first-time visitors who want to experience both Iceland's famous attractions and its wild highland interior. You'll see all the must-visit sites like the Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Lake Mývatn, and the South Coast waterfalls, so you won't miss any highlights. The addition of the highlands takes your experience to the next level, offering landscapes and adventures that go beyond typical tourist routes. While the highland driving requires a 4x4 vehicle and some confidence behind the wheel, the roads are well-traveled during summer and our detailed guidance makes navigation straightforward. If you want an Iceland experience that combines iconic sights with genuine adventure, this itinerary delivers perfectly.

The best time for this Iceland highlands self drive tour is during the summer months, typically from late June through early September. This is the only period when highland roads are open and accessible, as they remain closed during winter due to snow and harsh conditions. Summer offers the longest daylight hours (including the midnight sun in June and July), making it ideal for exploring both coastal areas and the remote highlands. The weather is most stable during July and August, though highland weather can still be unpredictable, so be prepared for changing conditions. The midnight sun means you can explore well into the evening, giving you maximum flexibility for your Iceland highlands itinerary.

The driving in this Iceland highlands itinerary varies from easy to moderately challenging. Most of the Ring Road circuit involves well-maintained paved roads that are straightforward to navigate. The highland portion to Landmannalaugar is the most adventurous part, requiring you to cross shallow rivers and drive on rough F-roads. While this sounds intimidating, thousands of visitors successfully complete this journey each summer in 4x4 vehicles. The river crossings are typically ankle to knee-deep, and you'll find other travelers on the route if you need assistance. We provide detailed driving instructions and tips for navigating highland roads. Daily driving averages 3-5 hours outside the highland day, giving you plenty of time to explore attractions along the way.

Your Iceland 12 day itinerary includes everything you need for the complete highland experience. You'll have a 4x4 rental vehicle for all 11 days of driving, capable of handling both Ring Road highways and challenging highland F-roads. The itinerary includes accommodation near Laugarvatn that serves as your base for the Landmannalaugar day trip, allowing you to explore the highlands and return to comfortable lodging. Continental breakfast is included every morning to fuel your adventures. You'll receive detailed route guidance for navigating to and from Landmannalaugar, including information about river crossings and road conditions. Our 24/7 emergency helpline is available throughout your Iceland highlands self drive for peace of mind.

Absolutely! While this Iceland highlands itinerary already includes the spectacular Landmannalaugar adventure, you can enhance your journey with optional activities at checkout. Popular additions include glacier hiking at Skaftafell, boat tours on Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, soaking in the Blue Lagoon or Mývatn Nature Baths, whale watching from Húsavík, horseback riding on Icelandic horses, and hiking in Reykjadalur's geothermal valley. For the highlands enthusiast, you might consider adding extra hiking time at Landmannalaugar or visiting other highland destinations. You can also extend your trip with extra days in Reykjavík before or after your tour to explore the capital's museums, restaurants, and nightlife. This Iceland 12 day itinerary provides the perfect foundation for creating your ideal Icelandic adventure.

On a self-drive trip with Iceland Tours, everything is pre-arranged before you arrive. Your rental car, accommodation, and any booked activities are confirmed in advance, so when you land at Keflíavík Airport you can collect your keys and get on the road without any logistics left to sort out. All you need to manage is your own time each day.

Every trip comes with a detailed day-by-day itinerary created by our Reykjavík-based travel team, giving you a clear route, suggested stops, and things to do and see at each stage. You can follow it closely or adapt it as you go. The important thing is staying within reasonable distance of your accommodation each night, which is already booked for you throughout the trip.

Every car also comes with a portable Wi-Fi device (Mi-Fi), so navigation and staying connected are both covered from day one. If anything comes up during your trip, a 24/7 emergency helpline staffed by our local Reykjavík team is available throughout your journey. You can explore our full range of Iceland self-drive tours to find the right length and route for your trip, or read more about how car rental in Iceland works before you book.

Booking at least a few weeks before your travel date gives us enough time to confirm your preferred accommodation and finalize your itinerary. We are unable to accept bookings with less than one week’s notice.

For summer travel between June and August, booking several months ahead is strongly recommended. Accommodation in rural areas fills up quickly during peak season, and popular activity add-ons like glacier walks and whale watching can sell out well in advance. Booking early also lets you lock in your preferred car type and accommodation tier before availability narrows.

You only need a 5% deposit to secure your trip, with the balance due closer to your departure date. This low-deposit model means you can confirm your plans early without a large upfront commitment. If your plans change, our cancellation policy offers up to a 95% refund up to five days before arrival, with the retained 5% converted into a long-valid travel credit you can use on a future booking. See our how to book with us page for full details.

Most international driving licenses are accepted in Iceland. You need to be at least 20 years old to rent a standard car, or 23 years old for larger vehicles like 4x4s and vans, and you must have held a valid license for at least one year. You will also need to present a credit card in the main renter’s name when collecting your vehicle.

An International Driving Permit is only required if your license is not in Latin script, for example if it is in Arabic or Chinese characters. If you are unsure whether your license qualifies, our team is happy to advise before you book.

Iceland drives on the right, with speed limits and distances in kilometers. Roundabouts are common, especially around towns, and in rural areas you may encounter single-lane bridges, gravel roads, and sheep on the road. Our detailed itinerary includes route guidance for each day, and the portable Wi-Fi device means you can use live navigation throughout the trip. For a full overview of what to expect behind the wheel, see our guide to driving in Iceland and our page on car rental in Iceland.

Yes. Every self-drive trip can be extended with additional nights in Reykjavík or elsewhere along the route. If you have a particular interest or a region you want to spend more time in, we recommend getting in touch with our travel team before you book. This way we can advise on what’s possible, flag any additional costs, and make sure your preferences are built into the booking from the start. This means a smoother process and no amendment fees down the line.

The itinerary itself provides a well-tested route and daily plan, but the self-drive format gives you genuine flexibility to adjust your pace, linger at stops you enjoy, or take side routes as conditions allow. The structure handles the logistics so the day-to-day decisions remain yours.

If you are looking at a range of itinerary lengths or want to compare what is covered across different trips, you can browse the full Iceland self-drive tour collection or get in touch with our Reykjavík-based team through the contact page to talk through your options.

Optional activities are available to add during the booking process, and you will be shown exactly what is on offer for each day of your trip at checkout. Popular additions include glacier walks, whale watching, ice cave tours, lava cave explorations, horseback riding, and geothermal spa visits.

Adding activities through Iceland Tours at the time of booking means everything is coordinated with your itinerary and accommodation in advance, rather than arranging things independently on arrival. This is particularly worth considering for activities that require guides or have limited availability, since spots can fill up during peak season.

If you would like more activities built directly into the itinerary rather than added as extras, our 10-Day Active Ring Road & Snæfellsnes Self-Drive is structured with more activity inclusions as standard. You can also read more about planning your trip on our Iceland travel guide.

Once you have paid your deposit, we begin finalizing your accommodation, rental car, and any booked activities. As soon as confirmation is received from all partners, we will email you to let you know your travel documents are ready to access in our booking portal.

We aim to have everything confirmed within a few weeks of receiving your booking. During busy periods this may take a little longer, but you will always receive your complete documents before your departure date. Your documents include your full day-by-day itinerary, accommodation details, rental car pickup information, and contact details for our 24/7 in-Iceland helpline.

If you have questions about your booking at any point before your trip, you can reach our Reykjavík-based team through the contact page. Iceland Tours has been organizing Iceland trips for over 40 years, and our local team is available to help with any questions about your itinerary or preparations.

Your rental car can be collected from the arrivals hall at Keflavík International Airport. Your travel documents will confirm the name of the car rental company and advise you to proceed to their service desk in the arrivals hall. Have your driver’s license and credit card in the main renter’s name ready when you arrive.

Rental car desks at Keflavík operate at different hours depending on the provider. If your flight arrives outside standard desk hours, the rental company will typically have made arrangements given your expected arrival time. Your travel documents will include a contact number if you need assistance on arrival.

Your car comes with unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver, and authorization for a second driver as standard, along with the portable Wi-Fi device included with every trip. If you are planning to spend extra days in Reykjavík before your self-drive begins, you also have the option to collect your car from the city rather than the airport. See question 9 for details.

Yes. If you prefer to pick up your rental car in Reykjavík rather than at Keflíavík Airport, simply let us know in the special requests field during checkout and we will arrange it for you.

This is a practical option if you are arriving early and want to spend time in the city before your self-drive itinerary begins. Reykjavík has a lot worth exploring, from the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church and the waterfront Harpa concert hall to the city’s well-regarded restaurant scene. Our downtown Reykjavík and Reykjavík attraction pages are a useful starting point for planning those extra days.

If you request different pick-up and drop-off locations, for example collecting in the city and returning at the airport or vice versa, a one-way fee of around ISK 7,900 (approximately EUR 60) applies. This is paid directly to the rental company when you collect the car.

Iceland drives on the right, with steering wheels on the left side of the car. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour. The rules of the road broadly follow European conventions, but there are a few things worth knowing before you set off.

Roundabouts are very common throughout Iceland, particularly in and around towns. Traffic already in the roundabout has right of way, and if you are in the inner lane of a multi-lane roundabout, you also have priority over vehicles in the outer lane. In rural areas, you may encounter one-lane bridges, blind hill crests, and gravel roads on some secondary routes.

During summer, sheep roam freely and often wander onto the road, so be prepared to slow down and give way when you encounter them. In East Iceland during winter, you may also encounter reindeer. Your trip comes with a portable Wi-Fi device for navigation, and our detailed itinerary notes specific things to watch for on each leg of the route.

If you are planning a winter trip, our local team monitors road and weather conditions and is reachable 24/7. For a comprehensive overview of driving conditions, road types, and seasonal considerations, see our guide to driving in Iceland.

Every Iceland Tours self-drive package includes the following as standard: a rental car of your choice with unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver, authorization for a second driver, and a portable Wi-Fi device. Accommodation at your chosen level is booked for every night of the trip, and continental breakfast is included daily. You also receive a detailed day-by-day itinerary built by our local travel experts, along with access to a 24/7 emergency helpline staffed by our Reykjavík-based team throughout your trip. Carbon offsetting of your tour is included, and all VAT, taxes, and service fees are covered.

What is not included: international flights, fuel and parking, personal travel insurance, the Iceland Road Tax (a small charge collected at pickup), food and drink beyond breakfast, and attraction entrance fees unless otherwise stated on your specific tour page.

Iceland Tours has been organizing self-drive trips in Iceland for over 40 years and is Travelife-certified for sustainable operations. When you book a package with us rather than piecing together a trip independently, every element of the logistics is handled in advance by people who know the country well, so you can focus on the trip itself. See our accommodation page and car rental page for more detail on what is available at each level, and visit our why book with us page for a full overview of what sets Iceland Tours apart.

When you book a self-drive package with Iceland Tours, you choose from three accommodation levels: Budget, Comfort, or Quality. All three include continental breakfast every day.

Budget accommodation is guesthouses and country hotels with shared bathrooms, a practical and affordable choice that still puts you in well-located, locally run properties.

Comfort moves to a selection of hotels, guesthouses, and country and farmhotels with private bathrooms, offering a comfortable step up in quality and facilities.

Quality represents the best available accommodation in each area from our selection. This typically means four-star hotels or superior rooms at three-star properties, though in more remote parts of Iceland, where the options are naturally more limited, it means the highest-quality property available in that location. Breakfast is included at all levels.

All accommodations are handpicked by our team and pre-booked before your trip begins. In rural Iceland, accommodation options are more limited than in the cities, which is one of the reasons booking ahead matters. Securing your places early as part of a package means you are not left searching for availability in remote areas during peak season. For travelers who prefer something closer to nature, we also offer Iceland self-drive camping tours. Read more about all accommodation options on our accommodation in Iceland page.

Iceland’s weather can change quickly regardless of the time of year, so packing for multiple conditions is the right approach even in summer. The essentials are: waterproof walking boots, waterproof trousers, thermal underlayers, fleeces or warm sweaters, a waterproof rain jacket, a warm outer jacket, and a hat, scarf, and gloves. Sunglasses are useful year-round. Swimwear is worth packing since hot springs and geothermal pools appear throughout the country, and lip balm and moisturizer will be appreciated given the wind.

For practical self-drive needs, your car comes with a portable Wi-Fi device so a phone mount for navigation is useful. A portable power bank is handy for longer days out. If you are visiting in winter, ice scrapers are typically provided with the car, but dressing in proper thermal layers for time spent outside makes a real difference.

For a full seasonal packing guide covering everything from summer hiking to winter driving, see our Iceland packing list. The Iceland in winter guide and our Iceland winter weather and packing article are also useful if you are traveling in the colder months.

Carbon offsetting is already included as standard with every Iceland Tours package. We have partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to cover the carbon footprint of the tour itself, so there is nothing extra you need to do or pay.

Iceland Tours is Travelife-certified, meaning our operations are independently assessed against sustainability standards covering environmental, social, and supply chain criteria. This certification reflects a commitment to responsible travel that goes beyond carbon offsetting, including how we select local accommodation and activity partners.

Carbon offsetting for international flights to and from Iceland is not included in the tour package, but your airline may offer offset options at the time of booking, or you can arrange this through a local or national environmental fund. For more on how we approach sustainable travel, see our sustainability policy and our article on responsible and sustainable travel in Iceland.